Family Burden in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome and Dual Diagnosis with Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Background: Family burden among caregivers of individuals with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) and those with a dual diagnosis (DD) of ADS and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is a major psychosocial concern. This study aimed to compare the level and pattern of family burden between caregivers of patients with ADS alone and those with both ADS and BPAD. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study included 160 caregivers (80 ADS and 80 dual-diagnosis cases) recruited from the Department of Psychiatry, in a tertiary Care Centre in South India. The Family Burden Interview Schedule assessed burden; Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale evaluated patient psychopathology. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U -tests. Results: Severe family burden was reported by 71.3% in the dual-diagnosis group and 61.3% in the ADS group ( P = 0.18). In ADS, burden correlated with alcohol dependence severity, whereas in dual-diagnosis caregivers, it was associated with mood severity, unemployment, and nuclear family structure. Conclusions: Caregiver burden is high in both ADS and dual-diagnosis families but arises from different factors – addiction severity in ADS and mood-related dysfunction in DD. Family-focused, state-sensitive interventions are essential to reduce caregiver distress.